Daisen-Nakaumi-Shinji Lake Cycling: Spectacular Bicycle Journey Touring Mountains, Lakes, and Sea

The Daisen, Nakaumi, and Shinji Lake area, stretching from Yonago and Sakaiminato in western Tottori Prefecture to Matsue and Izumo in eastern Shimane, is a spectacular cycling field where you ride while taking in the Sea of Japan, two brackish lakes, and the famous Mt. Daisen. With many flat roads along the lakes and sea, it is easy even for beginners, and popular as a way to leisurely enjoy the nature and culture of San in by bicycle.

Highlights

The appeal of this area is cycling around the coastline and towns centered on two large brackish lakes, Nakaumi and Shinji. Both lakes are registered under the Ramsar Convention as precious wetlands and are havens for many waterbirds. Routes along the lakeshores offer views of the sunset reflected on the water and the majestic form of Mt. Daisen. Savoring the small scenes and town character that are easily overlooked, at the pace only a bicycle allows, is the real joy of this journey.

There are plenty of sights along the way. Mt. Daisen, the highest peak in the Chugoku region, changes its appearance depending on the viewing angle. Sakaiminato has Mizuki Shigeru Road, lined with bronze statues of yokai; Matsue has Matsue Castle, a National Treasure; and Izumo has the famous Izumo Taisha shrine, known for matchmaking. Working these sights into your route makes for a rich journey that also touches on the history and culture of San in.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring and autumn, with their mild climate and beautiful scenery, are ideal for cycling. In summer, protection against sun and heat is important, and in winter you must prepare for the wind and cold typical of the Sea of Japan side. Mt. Daisen seen from along the Yumigahama Peninsula shows varied faces, from a coat of snow to an evening glow, depending on the season and time of day.

Access and Basic Information

The bases are Yonago Station and Matsue Station on the JR San in Main Line. Rental bicycle facilities can be found around Yonago Station and Sakaiminato Station. As this is a long-distance field overall, it is best to choose sections to ride according to your stamina and available time.

Practical Travel Notes

Beginners can start with the flat sections along the lakes and coast for peace of mind. The coast is exposed to wind, so plan comfortably with the wind direction in mind. Do not forget frequent hydration and protection against sun and insects. Accommodations equipped for multi-day bicycle trips are dotted around, so you can leave your luggage and ride light. On the Sakaiminato side you can enjoy seafood, and on the Matsue and Izumo side castle towns and shrines, combining food and sightseeing as you ride.

A Word of Advice

Rather than trying to ride the whole field in a single day, the trick to fully enjoying cycling here is to ride in stages while enjoying the scenery and towns. Savor a refreshing time gazing at the lakes, sea, and famous peak, within the relaxed pace of time unique to San in.

📚 Sources

This article draws on cycling-related information published by route municipalities such as Yonago and Sakaiminato and their tourism associations, along with guidance for the Daisen, Nakaumi, and Shinjiko area. Route signage along the course was also consulted. Rental-cycle reception hours, fees, and route conditions may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Depending on the section, many spend half a day to a full day enjoying the scenery.
• Preparation: Easy-to-move clothing plus sun protection and hydration bring peace of mind.
• Getting around: Choose sections that let you ride with views of the Sea of Japan, the lakes, and Mount Daisen.
• Match your fitness: You can ride the whole route or pick a shorter section for a casual outing.
• Note: The area is exposed to weather and wind, so plan within your limits for a safe ride.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Opening hours / closing days

• The cycling course itself has no set opening hours, but rental bicycles must be borrowed and returned within the reception hours of the rental outlets.
• Rental bicycle bases on the "Hakusha Seisho Yumigahama Cycling Course" include Cog Station Kaike (Yonago City Tourist Center), Cog Station SANKO Yumeminato Tower, Cog Station Daisen (Mori no Kuni) and Cog Station Masumizu Field Station. Reception hours and closing days differ from base to base, so please check in advance.
• In winter, some bases suspend or halt operations because of snow or strong winds.

Price and budget guide

• Rental bicycle fees vary according to the type of bicycle (electrically assisted bicycle, cross bike, children's bicycle and so on) and the base. Check when you make your reservation.
• The availability of the one-way drop-off service changes from year to year. If you want to use it, be sure to contact the rental desk in advance.
• Riding the course itself is free of charge. Sightseeing facilities you stop at along the way, such as Matsue Castle and Izumo Taisha Shrine, charge separate admission.

Access

• The bases for the route are "Yonago Station" and "Matsue Station" on the JR San'in Main Line. For the Sakaiminato side, the JR Sakai Line is convenient.
• The Yumigahama Cycling Course runs about 15.8 km from Takeuchi Danchi in Sakaiminato City (Sakai Yumeminato Terminal) to 3-chome Kaike Shinden in Yonago City (the mouth of the Hino River). Of this, the roughly 7.8 km from Yumeminato Park to the Yomi-cho intersection is a road for bicycles and pedestrians only, where you can ride without worrying about cars.
• Yonago Kitaro Airport is also in this area, so you can plan a trip that arrives by air.

Parking

• Rental bicycle bases such as the Yonago City Tourist Center (Kaike Onsen) and SANKO Yumeminato Tower have parking lots. Leaving your own car there and making the round trip by bicycle is convenient.
• Please avoid parking on the road along the coast, as it obstructs other users and emergency vehicles.

What needs to be reserved

• As well as signing up in person at the counter, rental bicycles can also be reserved by telephone. Numbers are limited, so advance reservation is reassuring for large groups or for electrically assisted bicycles.
• At reception, identification for the group representative (driver's license, health insurance card or similar) may be required.
• Some bases lend out helmets. If you need one, say so when you apply.

Photography rules and manners

• Never take photos or operate your smartphone while riding; always get off your bicycle and take photos in a safe place.
• Stopping your bicycle on the dedicated road to take photos gets in the way of cyclists and pedestrians behind you. Move aside to a spot with a wide shoulder.
• The dune vegetation on the sandy beach and the pine groves are protected. Please do not wander into them and trample them.
• Nakaumi and Lake Shinji are wetlands registered under the Ramsar Convention, and many waterbirds fly in. Do not approach the wild birds too closely or startle them.

Points to note and safety

• As a rule, ride on the left in single file. On sections where cars pass, always check for safety at intersections and merging points.
• Routes heading toward Mt. Daisen involve large differences in elevation. On the descents it is easy to pick up too much speed, with a risk of falling on curves or colliding with a car, so brake frequently and keep your speed down. Checking that your brakes work properly before a descent is reassuring.
• Coastal stretches such as Yumigahama have nothing to block the wind and are strongly affected by it. Plan around the wind direction: ride the leg into the headwind first, and do not push yourself on very windy days.
• Preparation is essential for the strong sunshine and heat in summer, and for the strong winds and cold typical of the Sea of Japan side in winter. Drink plenty of water often, and take precautions against sunburn and insects.
• In seasons when the sun sets early, always carry a light.
• Rather than trying to ride the whole route in a single day, it is safer to divide it into sections that match your stamina and the time you have.

* The information given here is subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest details before you set out.

(Sources: Tottori Prefecture official website, "Hakusha Seisho Yumigahama Cycling Course" / as of July 2026)